Ilona Burgrova: A View From Prague

Ilona Burgrova is in her third season in the EuroLeague Women with ZVVZ USK Prague. She has been representing the Czech Republic since she first stepped out as a cadette, in 1999. Ilona is writing for FIBAEurope.com to give us her insight into the 2011/2012 EuroLeague Women season.

Hello all the basketball fans!

The Euroleague Women is back in action after almost three weeks of break. Tomorrow many teams will make the first step to be in the Final 8. I am very curious how many underdogs will surprise the higher ranked teams. And I am hoping that one of them will be ZVVZ USK Prague.

I feel that this year we have a great team with a lot of potential and more importantly with a lot of heart. I believe that my teammates will fight till the last minute to get the win against Wisla Can-Pack Krakow.

I never had the chance to play in Wisla Can-Pack's gym. But what I've heard and what I've seen on tapes has showed me what a great atmosphere the Wisla fans can create. I know that sometimes they can seem to be a little bit over the board and uncontrollable but thanks to them Wisla Can-Pack can really take advantage of the home court. On the other hand all this support can be stressing for some players but with Wisla having such an experience team I am sure they know how to handle the pressure. I hope everybody in the gym will be able to enjoy the great atmosphere and let the better (and maybe luckier) team win ;)

I don't know if you've heard from somewhere but I got hurt about 2 weeks agoL Not just a bruise, not just a twisted ankle, not just an open cut. During the Czech league game I landed wrong on my left foot and I tore the ligaments in my left ankle. I knew immediately something was wrong because I know my body by now and I know how it behaves. Luckily we have a very great group of doctors who are taking care of our team and I got immediate medical attention. After a couple examinations I was ready to undergo surgery.

It is never easy to realize that you got hurt and it is even harder to hear the bad news that this year's season is over for you. I cannot step on the left foot for 5 more weeks and quite honestly I cannot imagine how I will make it. But one thing I know for sure. This gives me time for myself - time to think, to get better, and to get stronger on so many different levels.

Life is always full of opportunities and I hope I will be able to use this one for the best.